Local Notes: Hard working team from Charlestown Organis Community Garden.
Some of the hard working team from the Charlestown Organic Community Garden
The Charlestown Community Gardens continue to glisten and sparkle as high Summer kicks in thanks to a very dedicated and tireless group of volunteers who give up of their time so willingly and selflessly. The team at the moment comprises of Paddy Casey, Alison Doohan, Vera Turner, Mary McIntyre, Kay McIntyre, Sr Elsie Gilmartin, Ian Isherwood, Pat Murphy and Sarah and Jack McCann. The garden produces a wide variety of vegetation in their splendid pollytunnel which includes tomatoes, cauliflower, carrots, basil and chillis . Outside in the raised beds area the committee grow potatoes, rhubarb and strawberries. The garden is open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2.30 and remains one of the jewel in the crowns of the town’s viewing areas and tourist attractions and deserves as much support as it can get as it is a truly wonderful facility.
There was no winner of the Charlestown Sarsfields GAA lotto jackpot of €12,600 in the weekly draw held on Sunday night, July 28, and the following were the four numbers drawn; 4, 13,16 and 33. The winners of the €50 weekly prizes were John Goldrick (jnr) and Orla Kennedy. The latest jackpot increased to €12,700 and the draw was held on Sunday night, August 4..
The death took place at the North West Hospice, Sligo, of Michael McDonnell Doocastle, Ballymote, Co. Sligo. Deepest sympathies are tendered to the bereaved.
Ireland West Airport have a terrific array of prizes up for grabs with all details to be had on www.irelandwestairport.com/charitydraw. Tickets cost €5 or 3 for €10. All proceeds go towards the Ireland West Airport’s 2024 charity partners; ACT for Meningitis , BUMBLEance, Down Syndrome Ireland (Mayo Branch), Irish Red Cross, Mayo Mountain Rescue, and Western Care Association.
Charlestown Sarsfields host Knockmore in Fr O’Hara Park in the U14 development league championship on Saturday, August 10, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
The Sarsfields host Hollymount/Carramore in Fr O’Hara Park in the county U14C championship on Monday, August 12, with the throw-in confirmed for 7pm.
The Sarsfields host Ballintubber in Fr O’Hara Park on Thursday, August 15, in the county U16A championship with the throw-in timed for 7pm.
Classes continue in the Town Hall Arts Centre, Barrack Street, Charlestown, on Friday, August 16 and 23 respectively at 12 noon. There is lift access available.
Curious about care giving? Come meet the team and chat to them at the Euro Spar, Swinford, on Thursday, August 15, from 10am- 1pm or call 094 9014028. They are on a mission to provide compassionate and exceptional health care services to the elderly in their homes in the community. Wondering how you can make a difference? Then come chat to them at their stand on the day, they would love to meet you.
Charlestown Sarsfields U16 team, competing in the County A U16 championship for the first time in a number of years, had their first outing in the group stages with a home game against Ballina Stephenites first up on the roster so to speak. The Sarsfields took the game to their much touted visitors from the throw-in and matched them all over the field as each and every Sarsfields player competed ferociously for every ball.
The Stephenites were rocked somewhat by the levels of intensity the Sarsfields brought to the encounter as balls were spilled in contact and turned over regularly as the Sarsfields got in among their opposition and harried and hassled them in every line of the pitch.
It was very much game on with the scores level after a very competitive opening thirty minutes as the Sarsfields trooped off to the changing rooms buoyed by their very good and honest performance with the scoreboard reading 1-4 to 0-7 with Cian Towey netting for the Sarsfields The exchanges were every bit as intense in the second half as the Sarsfields continued to pressure the Stephenites at source. They found scores much harder to come by however as the visitors began to grow into the game but that said it was still only a one score game heading into the final ten minutes with everything still very much up for grabs.
The Stephenites were holding onto a slender two point lead and were far from comfortable as the hosts never took a backward step and continued to push and probe albeit their scoring levels ground to a standstill.
The game took a dramatic turn in favour of the Stephenites however when they scored a somewhat fortuitous goal which knocked the Sarsfields for six and provided the North Mayo lads with the cushion of a two score game as they clung on for dear life and kept the Sarsfields at bay with some sturdy defending and good game management. The final score of 1-10 to 1-5 in favour of the Stephenites reads rather harshly on the green and white lads overall effort as they were bang in contention for the bulk of the half with the Ballina goal having a real element of luck about it.
The Sarsfields were best served by Mason McCudden, Sean Breheny, Mike Giblin, Shea Haran, Matthew Horkan and Cian Towey. Next up for the Sarsfields is a trip to Westport to take on one of the outright favourites for the championship with the level of competition something the Sarsfields lads should embrace as they endeavour to improve their standards and skill levels.
The tenth (10th) Annual Eugene McLoughlin Memorial Run takes place on Sunday, August 11. This year’s event is one again in aid of CROI. Registration takes place between 11am-12.30pm at McLoughlin’s Bar, located on Barrack Street, Charlestown. Music from 3pm till late with Pat’s Country Roadshow, Jenna Sloane, David Connor and Bandjaxed. There will also be a Kiddies Fun Run on the day so please bring your pedal bikes, tractors and go-karts. A Monster Auction will also take place after the run. This is always one of the biggest and best supported events in the community and attracts huge crowds to the town with this year’s staging promising to be the best yet.
Charlestown Swimming Pool have launched their new Summer Raffle draw to raise funds for the pool. A big thank you to Delaney’s Mace who have come on board as chief sponsor with Conor of Delaney’s kindly sponsoring all the wonderful prizes which include the following; a four seater patio set with BBQ, an inflatable pool and 2 x water blasters, 55 inch TV, pool party at Charlestown Swimming Pool followed by party food for up to 20 people at Delaney’s Mace, Charlestown, personal training for 2 people at HQ Gym, day pass for 4 people to Westport House Adventure Park, Baysports voucher worth €100 plus a selection of hampers which makes for a brilliant array of prizes with something for everybody in that list. Buy raffle tickets in store or online €5 for 1 or €10 for 3 . You can also donate to the raffle by following the link https://www.idonate.ie/raffle.CharlestownPool.
Are you interested in spending time with the residents in a nursing home? Maybe you enjoy playing cards, knitting, bingo or music and would like to offer your skills? If yes contact St Attracta’s Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown, on 094 9254307 or by email to info@stattractas.com.
Mayo Fire Service are looking to recruit retained fire-fighters to serve the local community around Charlestown and recruitment is now open on www.mayo.ie.careers/current-vacancies.
Bushfield Cemetery Mass takes place on Sunday, August 11 at 9am.
Irish classes are starting at Carracastle Community Centre this September. Contact Patrick at 085 7704647 for more details and to provisionally book your place.
Charlestown Sarsfields senior ladies take on near neighbours Ballyhaunis in round 3 of the division 2 county league in Fr O’Hara Park on Sunday, August 11, with the throw-in timed for 11am.
Charlestown Sarsfields U12 girls lost out to Claremorris in the county U12 final played at the Connacht Centre of Excellence, Bekan recently. The young Sarsfields girls acquitted themselves very well and gave everything they had but came up short against a good and well drilled Claremorris side who ran out deserving winners. The Charlestown girls can be proud at the manner of their performance as they ran, chased and harried throughout and left everything on the field of play in a performance that was admirable to say the least as these young ladies did themselves, their families and the club proud at they played with a courage and spirit that hints at better days ahead in the very near future. Well done to the management team of Aidan Higgins and John Gateley who had the team in terrific shape with all their hard work on the training paddock paying off in spades as the girls got better with each and every game. This group have many good days ahead of them if they maintain their interest levels and keep working on their skills with the future looking bright for the club as they continue to compete at the top end of all underage competitions in the county.
The clothes recycling bank has been permanently located at the front entrance of the CBD Sport and Recreational Centre, on the grounds of Fr O’Hara Park. The following items can be deposited into the bank; all women/mens and childrens clothing, paired footwear, handbags, belts, soft toys (teddies), curtains, towels (clean), bed linen (duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases , throws. They cannot accept any pillows or duvets. All proceeds from collections going forward will go towards the annual running costs of the CBD Centre which provides so many facilities, classes and activities to the local community to exercise and enjoy. Contact 089 2616514 for any further information or enquiries.
Senior strength and conditioning classes are held at Carrcastle Community Centre every Wednesday morning at 11am, involving chair-based exercises and using light weights. For more information and to book your place contact Sarah at 086 3879635.
The Youth 2000 Summer Festival takes place in Clongowes Wood, College, Co. Kildare from Thursday, August 15 to 18. A weekend of festivities, talks, testimonies, praise and worship, tournaments and workshops. Donations only. Free bus available from Sligo, Mayo and Galway. Contact connaught@youth2000.ie or check out You-tube, youth2000.ie or telephone 085 1236219.
‘Fan the Spark’ a conference for young adults (18-40) will take place on Saturday, August 24, from 9.30am-5.30pm in the Legion of Mary House, Brunswick Street, Dublin. The cost is €15. There will be talks on art, faith, Tour of Frank Duff`s House, Mass, adoration and more. To book visit www.eventbrite.ie or contact deusetpatria@gmail.com. Speakers at the weekend are Ruth O’Connell, Fr Vincent Stapleton and Luke McCann.
There was a good turnout at the weekly summer bridge game held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown, on Wednesday last, July 24, at 8pm, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Paddy and Patricia Colleran, 2nd Frances and Robert Healy, 3rd Michael and Patricia Brennan, 4th Assumpta Kelly and Eileen O’Connor, 5th Tom Ginty and Tom Dunne.
There was a good turnout at the weekly 25 card drive held in the Yeats County Inn, Curry, on Tuesday, July 30, and the following were the prize winners; 1st Darby and Breege Leonard; 2nd Seamus Durcan and James Cafferty. Raffle winners were Seamus Durcan, Veronica McCarrick and James Cafferty.
Sarsfields Shamrocks suffered a 3-13 to 0-7 defeat to Knockmore in the latest round of fixtures in the county minor B championship played at the Knockmore GAA grounds recently.
The Sarsfields Shamrocks combination endured a tough day at the office with the home side very much fired up for the contest as they had a belief and a conviction about them in everything they did.
Knockmore seized control from an early stage and put the Sarsfields on the back foot with a flurry of scores in the opening quarter which knocked the stuffing out of the visitors as Sarsfields Shamrocks struggled to cope with the intensity and tempo at which the home side were playing.
Sarsfields Shamrocks just about made it to half-time intact but they were facing a real uphill battle in the second half with the score board bearing very much a saffron and blue look. The visitors didn’t fare much better in the second half as Knockmore kept their foot to the floor so to speak and continued to tag on the scores to take the game further away from the East Mayo side who battled gamely but offered no real offensive threat as the Knockmore rearguard kept the Sarsfields Shamrocks forward line firmly in check.
The game petered out as a contest long before the final whistle with Knockmore very much the bosses in all the key areas of the pitch. The final whistle brought contrasting emotion with the Sarsfields Shamrocks combination left to pick the bones out of a performance that never resembled anything like their best.
All is not lost however as they still have plenty of skin in the group albeit their next outing versus Ballina Stephenites away assumes major importance with a victory keeping them very much in the shake-up for qualification for the latter stages of what’s an intensively competitive looking championship.
The Ireland West Airport annual runway 5k takes place on Saturday, September 14 at 6.30pm. All proceeds raised from the event will go towards the airports six (6) charity partners for 2024 – ACT for Meningitis, BUMBLEance , Down Syndrome Ireland (Mayo Branch), Irish Red Cross, Mayo Mountain Rescue and Western Care Association. Entry to the event costs €20 per adult and €5 for U16s. A special family rate of €40 will be available for families of 2 adults and 2 kids. All participants will receive a race t-shirt and complimentary car parking will be provided on the day. Participants can register or find more information by visiting www.irelandwestairport.com/runwayfun.
Well done to the Charlestown Sarsfields U13 girls who recorded a big victory over Castlebar Mitchels in their latest outing in the county U13 league played at the Castlebar Mitchels GAA grounds recently.
The Sarsfields girls played some wonderful football on the night and had too much fire power for their opponents and ran out convincing winners at the final whistle. It was an excellent team performance with every player playing at the peak of their powers as they continue to blaze their way through the league with silverware very much in their sights.
Well done to a very committed core group of people who invested a lot of time and energy in the upgrade and revamping of Lurga Shrine in the last number of months. The Shrine looks splendid as a result of all the renovations and developments and is a credit to those who gave of their time so willingly and generously to bring the project to fruition with the Shrine looking an absolute picture as it continues to welcome visitors from all corners of the community to ponder and take some time out for prayer and self-correction. The community and hinterland of Lurga thank the people who took the time and attention to complete the work all in the spirit of volunteerism which makes it even more commendable and worthwhile.
Well done and congratulations to Beibhinn Parsons who was part of the Irish Women’s Rugby Sevens team that took part in the Olympics Rugby Sevens competition in Paris recently. Beibhinn is daughter of Vincent and Evelyn Parsons, Ballinasloe, Co Galway, with her dad Vincent being a native of Gowel, Carracastle, and a well known and eminent doctor at the Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, where he works as a radiologist. Beibhinn has enjoyed a meteoric rise in rugby circle in recent years exploding onto the scene in 2018 where she made her senior international debut at the tender age of 16. The awards have flowed steadily since most notably when she won the 2020 Guinness Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year Award and was nominated as RTÉ Young Sportsperson of Year in 2021. She is a terrific athlete with a wonderful turn of pace who has gone from strength to strength on the international stage scoring 16 tries in her 23 caps to date in the fifteen a side game. She has turned her attention to the sevens version of the game in the last eighteen months and has been one of the leading lights in the squad making 31 appearance for the women’s sevens team in the 2023/2024 season scoring 19 tries to boot which is quite the strike rate.
Beibhinn was part of the sevens team that secured their qualification for the Olympics in Paris with a 10-5 win over Fiji in the fifth-place semi-final of the Rugby World Sevens Series. She was very prominent in the Irish team’s performances in the Olympic sevens competition scoring two tries in Ireland’s convincing 38-0 victory over South Africa in their second Olympic pool match. Unfortunately injury prevented her from lining out in the remaining pool matches and her absence was sorely felt as Ireland made their exit from the competition and consequently missed out on a medal. Beibhinn has many more years of competition ahead of her in both the sevens and fifteen-a-side codes and will be one of the key players in both teams going forward as she starts her rehab from injury to be ready for the new club and international seasons which kick in at the back end of the year.
There was no winner of the Curry GAA lotto jackpot of €2300 in the weekly draw held on Monday night, July 29, and the four numbers drawn were; 2, 18, 20 and 22. The following were the winners of the €20 weekly prizes; Michael Henry, Paul O’Grady and Martin Durcan. The latest jackpot increased to €2,400 and the draw took place on Monday night, August 5.
There was a good turnout at the weekly darts competition held in Walsh’s Bar, Main Street, Charlestown on Sunday night, July 28, as Podsie and the Gripper locked horns in another intriguing instalment of the weekly classic. With Gus on duty at the ochie it was left to Boom Boom to take on the mantle of referee and this he did with aplomb as he ensured all rules were obeyed as both men towed the line with complete reverence. Podsie blasted out of the blocks and raced away with the first set with his darts of their usual terrific high standard. Things didn’t get much better for Gus in set two and Podsie continued to set the standards in terms of scoring and finishing. The third set saw a shift in dominance as Gus finally found some form and consistency as he claimed the set by nailing double eighteen with his final dart in the fourth leg to claim the set and extend the game into a fourth set. Podsie, miffed by his fade out in the third, regained control at the start of the fourth, winning the opening two legs to leave him just one away from victory.
Gus battled back however to win the next two as his battling qualities and resilience came to the fore in fine style. The deciding leg proved to be a cracker with both men firing in big scores simultaneously. It was Gus who had first look at a double with his final dart grazing the wire of the double sixteen bed much to his chagrin and frustration. Podsie smelt blood as he stepped forward with 88 left on his scorecard. He weighed up his options before firing his first dart into the corner of the treble eighteen baize. This left him with two darts at double twelve at double twelve as the huge crowd held their collective breath. His first hit the wire and fell to the floor as he steadied himself before releasing his final arrow. It never looked like missing as it landed plum in the middle of the bed to set off wild scenes of celebration as the number one seed raised his arms aloft to claim his ninth title of the season.
Gus was gracious and sporting in defeat as he embraced the victor with both men engaging in a long chat which went on deep into the night. Another stellar performance from the number one seed as he stepped onto the winner’s podium for the umpteenth time in his star studded career to date.
